The Mandan Rodeo predates the construction of the fairgrounds, being first held on July 4th, 1879. The Morton County Fair Association was formed in 1895 to raise funds for the construction of the fairgrounds, a portion of which can be seen above. The name returned to the Mandan Rodeo in 1941. Native American exhibits were a major attraction at the fair around the turn of the century, with as many as 1200 Native Americans participating in the festivities.